Research and Innovation

Stanford research is remarkable in both its breadth and depth, with research programs that reflect the expertise, creativity and initiative of the faculty who set the research agenda. Faculty have a long tradition of engaging with their colleagues and students within Stanford’s seven schools and working across disciplines.

Sponsored Research

There are more than 7,700 externally sponsored projects throughout the university, with the total budget for sponsored projects at $1.93 billion for 2019-20, including the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC). Of these projects, the federal government sponsors approximately 75 percent, including SLAC. Also, nearly $474 million in support comes from non-federal funding sources.

National Research Programs with Centers at Stanford

• Departments of Plant Biology and Global Ecology of the Carnegie Institution for Science
• National Bureau of Economic Research

Independent Laboratories, Centers and Institutes

There are 18 independent laboratories, centers and institutes that provide a physical and intellectual intersection between schools and disciplines. These institutes are in line with Stanford’s long-standing tradition of crossing boundaries to tackle large problems, engaging faculty and their students in collaborations that range from international and economic studies to studies on the environment, energy and health. Vist interdisciplinary.stanford.edu.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Laboratories and Institutes

Policy Institutes

• Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI)
• Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR)
• Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
• Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment
• Precourt Institute for Energy

Humanities and Social Science Centers

• Stanford Humanities Center (SHC)
• Stanford Center on Longevity (SCL)
• Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (CASBS)
• Center for the Study of Language and Information

Other Special Research Centers

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory operated by Stanford. It shares five joint research centers and 22 joint faculty members with the university. SLAC is home to world-leading facilities for exploring nature’s smallest, fastest processes with X-rays and electrons. Research at SLAC spans chemistry, materials and energy sciences, bioscience, fusion energy science, high-energy physics, cosmology, advanced accelerator and technology development and advanced computer science. Visit slac.stanford.edu

Hoover Institution

Established one hundred years ago by Herbert Hoover— a member of Stanford’s Pioneer Class of 1895 and the 31st U.S. president—the Hoover Institution marked its centennial in 2019. Former Stanford Provost and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice assumed the role of Director on Sept.1, 2020. From its initial charge to collect materials documenting the experience of war and the pursuit of peace, the institution stands today as the world’s preeminent archive and policy research center dedicated to freedom, private enterprise, and effective, limited government.

Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve

Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, located in the Santa Cruz foothills about 15 minutes from the main Stanford campus, encompasses 1,193 acres and provides a natural laboratory for ecosystem research and teaching. Docent-led tours are offered to groups aligned with the preserve’s mission to contribute to the understanding of the Earth’s natural systems through research, education, and protection of the preserve’s resources. jrbp.stanford.edu, 650-851-6813.

Hopkins Marine Station

Hopkins Marine Station opened in 1892 as the first marineresearch facility on the Pacific Coast and the second in the United States. Located on Monterey Bay, Hopkins is home to marine research and study by 10 faculty, 1 lecturer, 2 emeritus faculty, and 1 emeritus lecturer. Visit hopkinsmarinestation.stanford.edu

Technology Licensing

The Office of Technology Licensing promotes the transfer of Stanford technology for society’s use and benefit while generating income to support research and education. In September 2019–August 2020 Stanford received $114 million in gross royalty revenue from 847 technologies. 84 of the inventions generated $100,000 or more in royalties. Ten inventions generated $1 million or more. The Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) evaluated 594 new invention disclosures and concluded 121 new licenses/options. 56 of the licenses were nonexclusive, 35 were exclusive and 30 were option agreements. 42 of the 121 agreements were with Stanford start-ups and 23 of them involved equity. Visit otl.stanford.edu

Last updated February 19th, 2021